Raaga 
Sundar
About
Hi, I’m Raaga Sundar. I study Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science at Georgia Tech, and I spend most of my time building things that fly and the software behind them.
I’m an undergraduate researcher at the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL). My work runs from ground effect aircraft and composite life prediction to 3D printed structures for Martian rovers, with a paper headed to ICAS 2026.
If you’re building something ambitious, reach out.
Achievements
- Experience
- Education
- Projects & Publications
- Latest Achievement
Soon to be published in ICAS 2026 - Co-Founder and Drone Pilot, HOVER Aerial Cinematography
2023 to 2026, Atlanta GA. Built and ran a commercial aerial photo and video service end to end: flight planning, capture, editing, and client delivery across dozens of repeat client shoots. - Undergraduate Researcher, ASDL @ Georgia Tech
Jan 2026 to Present, Atlanta GA. Only undergrad on a graduate Grand Challenges team (with RIC Enterprises). Builds cost and feasibility models and supports CAD, FEA, and ESP simulation for a confidential next generation system. - Georgia Tech, B.S. Aerospace Engineering, Minor in CS
Aug 2025 to Present. Startup Exchange, HyTech Racing, TEDx Speakers.
McIntosh High School, Salutatorian, 2021 to 2025 - Eco-Friendly Airborne Luxury Ekranoplan
Published in ICAS 2026
Co-authors: R. Sundar, M. Sankrithi, D. Mavris. A ground effect luxury airliner design and preliminary performance study. - MSRCF, Manufacture to Service Risk Continuity Framework
A Python framework that unifies manufacturing complexity and in service damage prediction for aerospace CFRP composites into one Risk Continuity Score. Benchmarks 5 ML classifiers, adds conformal prediction, and forecasts remaining useful life. github.com/RaagaSundar/MSRCF - 3D-Printed AA6061 for Martian Rover Bodies
Independent study benchmarked against NASA Perseverance. Ran Fusion 360 and ANSYS simulations of FDM AA6061 under Martian loads. Found 80% infill optimal, with near equal strength, 5% lighter, and up to $1.5B cheaper per mission. Mentored by MIT and GT PhDs.
W O R K
Georgia State Representative, Invention Convention Worldwide
Selected to represent the state of Georgia at Invention Convention Worldwide, the national K-12 invention and entrepreneurship program presented by RTX. Advanced through school, regional, and state rounds, with entries judged on the originality of the invention, the engineering behind it, and its real-world potential.
1st Place, State Finals, K-12 InVenture Prize
Took first place at the state finals of the K-12 InVenture Prize, Georgia Tech’s statewide invention competition, where entries are judged on originality, technical execution, and real-world viability. Also earned the $1,000 IronCAD Expertise in CAD Modeling Award for the quality of the 3D design and engineering work behind the build.
STEMUp Business Startup Grant
Awarded an $800 STEMUp grant from United Way to fund a student-led venture, supporting early prototyping and launch costs. Selected on the strength of the idea, its feasibility, and a pitched plan for bringing it to market.
3rd Place, National Advanced Division, UAS4STEM 2024
Placed third in the nation in the Advanced Division of UAS4STEM, a competition built around designing, building, and autonomously flying a mission-capable drone. The result earned the team a $10,000 Airbus sponsorship.
As Chief Engineer, Lead Safety Officer, and Video Analyst for McIntosh Aeronautics, I owned the airframe design and build, ran pre-flight safety and checklists, and reviewed flight footage to sharpen each mission.
Governor’s Honors Program
Selected for Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program in Mechanical Design Engineering and Mathematics, a competitive statewide program for top high school students. Earned a place through multiple rounds of interviews and technical evaluation.
1st Place, International Advanced Division, UAS4STEM 2023
Won first place in the international Advanced Division of UAS4STEM, taking the top spot among teams competing on autonomous drone missions and earning a $10,000 Airbus sponsorship.
Led McIntosh Aeronautics as Chief Engineer, Lead Safety Officer, and Video Analyst, responsible for the aircraft itself, flight safety, and the post-flight analysis that improved our runs.
Certificate of Superior Creativity and Design Thinking
Recognized by the Georgia Tech Research Institute at the STEM@GTRI STEAM Challenge for the most creative and well-reasoned solution among participating teams, awarded for the design-thinking approach taken to an open-ended engineering problem.
1st Place, National Taekwondo Sparring
National sparring champion under the World Taekwondo Federation and a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Years of training built the discipline, focus, and composure under pressure that carry straight into how I approach engineering.
Top Skills
The tools and methods I reach for most.
- Ultimaker Cura
- Statistical Analysis
- Machine Learning
Languages
- English (Native or Bilingual)
- Tamil (Native or Bilingual)
- Spanish (Limited Working)
my own
reality
my own
reality